You examine a seven-year-old patient with bad tooth decay. As you're weighing the treatment options, the child's mother is very concerned about the potential costs and her ability to afford them. What are your next steps?

During a dental school multiple mini interview, you can expect to be presented with a few ethical scenarios, and you'll have to walk through your course of action in each particular one. Before your interview, practice responses to various ethical scenarios with a friend or family member. As you practice, focus on doing the right thing as you discuss roadblocks or hurdles you could face.

When responding to this hypothetical yet very real scenario, there are two factors that you'll want to address. First and foremost, you should strive to do what is right for the patient. Second, explain the options to the mother. While you might have to make some assumptions about the mother's finances and payment options, you can let your interviewer know that you would present all options to the mother and educate her as much as possible. As you walk through this scenario, stress that you will ensure the patient's tooth decay is addressed.

"In a scenario like this, my first step would be to focus on the patient and assess the diagnosis and treatment options. I can't approach the parent with her options without having a solid plan and multiple options for treatment. I know that some options in this scenario could be the removal of the decay and subsequent fillings or indirect restorations like ceramics or composites. From there, I would turn my attention to the mother. I would be direct in my diagnosis and what potential harm could be done if the tooth decay wasn't treated. In a situation like this, the parent must understand this in their decision-making process. From there, I would lay out all treatment options and be very open about the costs. I would help her determine what, if anything, insurance would cover. This would likely include working with our billing assistant in the office. I would also let the mother know what types of payment options were available so she understands her options. I would reiterate that I feel strongly about treating her child as soon as possible and leave the door open for her to make a decision and be in touch. If she did right there on the spot, that would be amazing. If she needed some time to consider things, I would be open to that as well and would promise to follow up within a week."